DU Recognized in Princeton Review’s Annual College Rankings

The University of Denver received high marks from The Princeton Review in its annual Best 382 Colleges list. For the guide’s 2018 edition, DU improved its ranking in two categories where it placed among the country’s top universities.

Once again, DU’s highest ranking came in the category of “most popular study abroad program.” The University finished seventh overall, up one spot from last year. About 70 percent of DU’s students spend at least one semester studying in another country, thanks to the Cherrington Global Scholars program. Princeton Review recognized that the program allows students to study abroad without straying from their majors or incurring additional expenses.

The University of Denver ranked 15th for “college city gets high marks,” up from No. 18 just a year ago. This category rates the city or town where a school is located. Students surveyed liked the proximity and ease of getting downtown, yet appreciated the “campus feel.” They also commented about the different options available for enjoying the outdoors, including: skiing, hiking, biking and backpacking.

Princeton Review also rated each university individually in several different general categories on a scale of 60-99. DU received a 90 for “admissions selectivity,” up three points from last year. This rating measures how competitive the admission process is related to such factors as high school class rank, GPA and standardized test scores.

The University of Denver’s “academic rating” also improved from 84 last year to 87 this year. The academic rating takes into consideration class size, student-teacher ratio, students’ assessments of their professors and how many hours students study outside of the classroom.

Students also were asked to rate their professors. The University of Denver received an 87 for having “interesting professors” and an 85 for “professors accessibility.” Students commented about how the faculty cares about their long-term success and “the face-to-face time you get with them is a big reason why I feel so connected to my school.”

“It’s rewarding to see our students recognize the hard work being done every day by our faculty and staff,” says Chancellor Rebecca Chopp. “As we continue to realize the vision of DU IMPACT 2025, we will expand student involvement in community-engaged scholarship and research opportunities both locally and across the globe, in an effort to transform the student experience and solve real-world issues.”

DU maintained its 87 rating for “financial aid” and an 86 for “green rating.” Students surveyed commented that “there are a lot of ‘green’ initiatives … it feels quite progressive.”

Rankings are based on surveys completed by 137,000 students from 382 schools. The Princeton Review has published these rankings since 1992, but does not provide an overall 1 to 382 ranking.